OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence firm, has projected that approximately 220 million of its weekly ChatGPT users will opt for a paid subscription by 2030. This forecast is based on an estimated 2.6 billion weekly users, with around 8.5% expected to subscribe to the chatbot’s services. If achieved, this would position ChatGPT among the world’s largest subscription-based businesses.
As of July, about 35 million users, roughly 5% of ChatGPT’s weekly active base, have already paid for “Plus” or “Pro” plans, which cost $20 and $200 per month, respectively. This existing user base provides a foundation for the company’s ambitious growth projections. OpenAI’s annualized revenue run rate is expected to reach approximately $20 billion by the end of this year, despite the company facing significant losses.
In the first half of 2025, OpenAI generated around $4.3 billion in revenue, a 16% increase from the previous year. However, the company also incurred substantial research and development costs, totaling $2.5 billion, primarily due to the development of AI and the operation of ChatGPT. To diversify its revenue streams, OpenAI plans to introduce new products, including shopping- and advertising-driven features, which are expected to account for around 20% of its revenue.
Recently, the company introduced a personal shopping assistant for ChatGPT, potentially paving the way for monetization through advertisements or commission-based sales. This strategic move underscores OpenAI’s efforts to explore alternative revenue sources and reduce its reliance on subscription-based models. As the company continues to expand its user base and develop new features, it is likely to face increasing competition in the AI market.
The projected growth of ChatGPT’s user base and revenue underscores the significant potential of AI-powered technologies to transform the way businesses operate and interact with customers. As OpenAI and other companies in the sector continue to innovate and expand their offerings, the global AI market is likely to experience rapid growth and evolution in the coming years. With its ambitious projections and strategic initiatives, OpenAI is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of AI and its applications.
